Laya Lewis, Abrantee Boateng, Johnny Sachon and Joseph Marshall have been shortlisted for the British Urban Film Festival Best Emerging Talent Award, sponsored by BBC Films.

The award, celebrating the work of emerging talent in urban independent film, is in its’ second year having been won in 2015 by writer/director Vicki Kisner.

This year’s winner will be announced on 18 September at London’s Hilton Hotel in Tower Bridge, the setting for the BUFF Awards 2016, hosted by Adam Deacon and Femi Oyeniran.

Speaking at this year’s BUFF media day, Deacon (who himself won a BAFTA rising star award back in 2012) said: “I’m looking forward to being part of this year’s BUFF Awards. It’s important to support the up and coming urban British talent as they don’t always get the support that’s needed from the mainstream”.

Laya Lewis has been nominated for her lead role in ‘Beverley’, a short film set in 1980’s Leicester with a cast also including Vicky McClure (‘The Secret Agent’).

Abrantee Boateng has been shortlisted for his debut acting role in ‘Invisible Men’, the closing night movie at last year’s British Urban Film Festival which has since been acquired by Amazon Prime.

Johnny Sachon is in the running for the award for ‘Shadows’ a sci-fi short film which he wrote, produced and starred in.

Joseph Marshall has been nominated for his debut acting role in ‘Stealing Moses’, a short film which premiered at last year’s British Urban Film Festival and has since been acquired by London Live.

Christine Langan, Head of BBC Films, said: “It is important to recognise and celebrate emerging British talent across the urban independent film industry. BBC Films is proud to be part of the ‘Best Emerging Talent Award’ and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the incredible people involved.”
BUFF founder & CEO, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe said: “The British Urban Film Festival has long been a champion of new talent, showcasing the likes of Destiny Ekaragha, Jesse Quinones and James Webber, and we are delighted to be partnering with BBC Films on this award to introduce a new emerging talent to the industry.”